TromboneChat

Has anybody played a Rath R6? I’ve heard a bit about these, but nothing in depth.

I’m curious too.

I’ve only seen pictures of it, but the new valve looks intriguing.

Noone knows nothing? ( )

I've written about it here on TC. I like the R6 a lot more than the R4Fs I've played. It's an excellent large bore in every aspect.

The valve (Mick Rath’s pandemic project) is really quite good and in line with the quality of blow, feel, and throw one would expect from a boutique maker these days. I liked it much more than the hagmann and the Rotax. The bracing makes the horn feel (from a players perspective) more familiar to other designs.

If I were to get a large bore Rath again I would opt for the R6 over the R4.

I think there’s still a lot to be said about how easily you can swap parts between the R3 and R4 series. I stick with my trusty R4 because of the compatibility!

mrdeacon wrote: Mon Jan 05, 2026 6:33 pm I think there’s still a lot to be said about how easily you can swap parts between the R3 and R4 series. I stick with my trusty R4 because of the compatibility!

I emailed Rath, and they told me the slide and bell can be put on an R6 section. It's just the tuning slide that's different. Though the side has a single radius bow, which is different from both the R3 and R4. If they made a .525 slide for the R6, I think it would be a much easier decision.

bassbone1993 wrote: Mon Jan 05, 2026 6:44 pm

mrdeacon wrote: Mon Jan 05, 2026 6:33 pm I think there’s still a lot to be said about how easily you can swap parts between the R3 and R4 series. I stick with my trusty R4 because of the compatibility!

I emailed Rath, and they told me the slide and bell can be put on an R6 section. It's just the tuning slide that's different. Though the side has a single radius bow, which is different from both the R3 and R4. If they made a .525 slide for the R6, I think it would be a much easier decision.

Good to know! I really should check one out at NAMM one of these years.

I don't think Rath have been at NAMM any year I've been there.

Rath was at NAMM last year, which is where I tried the R6. They haven't been there in past years, but now that John Packer (who is always at NAMM) owns them they'll probably always be there going forward.

I tried one briefly and liked it so much I ordered one, still waiting for delivery! The valve felt really nice and it definitely had a feel more like a mainstream instrument especially with regards to the feedback and slotting rather than the way the R4(F) feels.